Water Works!
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belize. photgraphed by my girls
Water and World
I love water. The beach is among my favorite places on earth. My parents introduced me to oceans, lakes, and waterfalls from Canada to Florida. My mother was particularly fond of water. Outings and trips flanked by water features moved me. I remain impressed by it. All of my senses get a treat as I take in the magnificence of God that is most evident for me in water, especially oceans.
Alivia took her first swim lesson at the age of 3 months old. Soon I was pregnant with Audrey, and she, too, was participating in her way. When she was born, she followed suit.
I grieved for Antonio, in part, by training for a triathlon. The sound and feel of water were therapeutic. I participated in the Nevis Triathlon in 2015. My first significant open swim was in the Caribbean Ocean between Nevis and St Kitts.
Nevis triathalon
Alivia and Audrey are excellent swimmers and have participated on swim teams since 1st and 3rd grades. I took this picture when Audrey passed her swim test at the age of 4. She was able to swim the length of the pool independently. We celebrated her!
Audrey joined the ranks of swimmers. she earned her swim band by swimming the length of the pool
I want to swim in oceans around the world, and many of these places don’t have lifeguards. Therefore, proficiency in swimming is essential to me. Not to mention it is great exercise for any age and a great life skill. I cast this vision for my girls when they were learning to swim, and I pointed to this when things got tough.
Maui wowie:)
God has given Alivia, Audrey and I the opportunity to swim in the Pacific, South Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Oceans together.
We are teaching the younger ones how to swim. Alivia and Audrey are sharing their know-how and are tremendous examples and teachers. I also shared this vision with my niece and nephew and have introduced them to the Atlantic Ocean to stoke their imagination for what is possible. At present, I have two children that tread water in the middle of the ocean waiting for waves and two children on the shore playing in the incoming surf.
Atlantic ocean. cape henlopen, de
Today, while reading The Circle Maker, Pastor Mark spoke about “Wet feet” crossing the Jordan and Peter’s experience of walking on water on the Sea of Galilee. I imagined myself and all four children swimming in the Red Sea, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, and the Jordan River, speaking about miracles, history, and God’s promises. I shared this with them in real-time. I shared specific places that I would like to travel to together with them. It is one thing to say you want to show them the world. It is another thing to name the places you will go. It is one thing to have a plan and know how you will get there. It is another thing to surrender to God’s purpose and witness God move and orchestrate your life.
I cast the vision for the youngest two that they will be swimming one length of the pool by the end of Summer and on the swim team by the next.
I should tell you that at the beginning of the summer, the youngest, my nephew, did not like water on his head. Period. Not even in the shower. He now challenges the others to stay underwater the longest. Shiloh is brave and boldly follows guidance, eager to learn and catch up. Alivia and Audrey are helping me teach them. We are working together as a team to accomplish big things. Every single child has a part in our progress. Praise God!
Not for one second do I doubt that God put this on my heart, and this is where I am supposed to be. I was just fully adjusting to raising two children after Antonio passed away when my mom fell gravely ill and passed away. My mother had raised my niece and nephew since birth. When I stepped into her shoes to raise them, I didn’t doubt God, I doubted myself. But when I doubt myself, I am not trusting God. I truly believe God has a plan for me. I know he is working everything together for good. It will be bigger than anything I could have imagined or asked for in order to bring God glory.
“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.”
Prayer and seeking God has made all the difference. Since I have experienced the peace that passes understanding, I am compelled to share my story of God’s grace that you to may be comforted in any situation. God is the ultimate comforter.
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“All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us ”
Wherever you go, and no matter what you go through, God is with you.
“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all of the Lord’s holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ , and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ”
I pray you are encouraged. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
The last post I wrote was nearly two years ago. I have been grieving, slaying giants, raising champions, and growing in faith.